Mestre Kuca

Mestre Kuca formed in Lisbon around 2005, led by vocalist Daniela Araújo. Their sound pulls from Portuguese fado alongside soul and hip-hop, which drew some early criticism for how it mixed traditional and contemporary styles. They kept at it, and by 2009 their single "A Cada História" had become something of a classic in Portugal.

Their first album came out in 2007, simply called "Mestre Kuca." Later records like "Troco Likes" from 2011 and "Farra Mútua" from 2015 continued in that vein. You can hear that blend of influences in songs like "As Coisas que Plantei" and "Do Pó ao Pó." The band has played festivals internationally, but the core of their music still feels rooted in Lisbon's streets.